Life is a mirror??

Today I'd like to share with you a little (short, small) ditty, poem, rhyme, or saying, that my Mum taught me when I was little (young).

Life is a mirror, all will come backThe good, the pure, and the trueSo give to the world the best that you canAnd the best will come back to you

Some of what this says I think is true, but when I look at it now, it reminds me of the concept (idea) of karma, which I don't believe in. The basic dulled down (simplified) version of karma is that if you do bad things, then bad things will happen to you, and if you do good things then good things will happen to you (sometimes in a next life).

This idea doesn't fit with the God that I know. The God that I know is creator (made everything and everyone). He is all powerful. He is loving. He is past, present, and future. He is king. He is my heavenly father. He is judge. He is good, and pure, and true. This is the God that I know and He is involved (having an active part in) with our world and our lives, in a way which is much bigger (the concept/idea and more powerful) than karma, or even the universe (everything which exists throughout space). 

As a believer in, and follower of, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, I believe something very different to karma, which is all about the God I was just telling you about. Basically, we are all bad but Jesus has paid the punishment for us already, so although we deserve to die for all the terrible things we do (even when we do our best), when we put our faith (trust) in Jesus the best really does come back to us, forgiveness and real (true, genuine, not fake) life. 

"What do you mean, real life?" - you might ask. "Are we not already living and breathing?" Life which lasts forever (does not end) and is based first and foremost (the most important part of) in your relationship with God. Not just any God but this God, the God of Jesus Christ, the God who is Jesus Christ. 

So now when I think about this little ditty which I was taught when I was little, this is what I am reminded of. That life is a mirror, it should mirror our creator as we are made in His image (likeness), be a reflection of Him (God/Jesus) for others to see. That God Himself came 'back', came to the world to show us just what is good, and pure, and true - that He loved us so much that He gave us the best and biggest gift He could - forgiveness and a way to be with Him forever.

God Bless

A bit of Rambling...

It's been two months now (and one day) since I first arrived in England, and a day later in Cambridge. On Wednesday of this week I had the fortune to spend a day in London doing touristy things and catching up with a wonderful woman whom I'm privileged to have in my life. As I walked around and looked at many old things in a modern city completely wrapped up in its past, I found myself becoming more and more interested in the history of this place.

 

An observation to make - if there is a slight interest, or curiousity in something, the more and more you are surrounded by that, the more and more your interest and curiousity grows.

 

For me, it has a lot to do with the architecture and how that reflects the thoughts of the day and those who built it or had it built. Also the marks left on these structures which tell stories of the lives which it has held. A crumpled arch delicately rebuilt tells of the destruction which befell it during the World War, it tells of the design ideas of when it was first built, it tells of the importance of that to those who had it rebuilt, and it tells of the people now who continue to have it preserved. The ornated ceilings which are of such high standard because you look up to God, and the ceiling is the closest of all the building.

 

History is often seen as such a boring subject, but it was once the present, and not the past. As George Santayana once said, 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' When you actually look at history, it is not all boring but rather very complicated, just like life is now - and a lot of recorded history is not things which we would like to repeat.

 

As a christian though, my interest goes further perhaps than some. Some might say that christians live in the past, but the truth of the matter is that we live very much in the present, with a hope for the future which is founded in the past. The more we learn about what happened in the past the more we learn about who God is NOW and ALWAYS.

 

John wrote in his gospel, 'And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name... This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.'

 

What do you believe, and why do you believe it? Everything which we know and learn is somehow found in history. If I was slightly more forthright I might challenge one to look into it if they do not know. And to follow up, if you are at all curious or interested, take that next step and start asking questions... Just some food for thought.

 

God Bless.

Life... and its complexity

Life is a funny thing. What is it? Is it our heart beating? Is it the actions we take? Is it our reason for 'being'? What does it mean to say our life has changed? And again what does it mean to say our life is finished or over? What is the difference between making a choice and a life decision? It is all of these things which come to mind when I think of life - but what is it really?

The dictionary has 12 different definitions for life focussing on our different uses of the term, but I think the encyclopedia really hit it spot on with 'life, although there is no universal agreement as to a definition of life...'. So to clarify it is our life, a human's life to which I want to make notes of.

 Relevant dictionary definitions could be - A living being, especially a person; The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitute existence; and Human existence, relationships, or activity in general.

So if this is what life is, just what does it mean when Jesus says 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life'? Not I have a life, or I can show you a great life, or even I know the way to real life, but I am the life.

In order to answer this question we need to first find out where life comes from - yet another question. In looking at the origin of life the encyclopedia starts off with 'Fundamental religious concepts center around special creation and belief in the infusion of life into inanimate substance by God or another superhuman entity' before continuing with various scientific attempts to explain away how we (and the world in which we live) came to be.

So if life is originally given to us by another, then Jesus is saying that He is the one who gave us life?! That is one outrageous statement! Here is this guy, kinda poor and scruffy around the edges, walking around from place to place with no home of his own, saying that He is the one who gave everyone life however many years ago when humans were first created.

While it is outrageous, that is exactly who Jesus was - and is. He was there in the beginning because He is not just some guy, He is also God. He gave us life, and gave it to us for a reason - that we might be with Him. Jesus is not just telling us this but He is also giving us a way that we can have the life which He gave us - 'I am the way' - through Him! And how can we trust Him, and know that what He is saying is the truth, and not just another spun up line like all the other people walking around - 'I am the truth'. I don't know why anyone would want to put that much pressure and attention on themselves unless it was true! But not only that, but other things He said and did which show all that He is.

Life is still a funny thing, and many of those questions still remain when pondering such thoughts but there is one thing which I know about life which makes all of them seem so much less important. My life is not my own, it was given to me - and so what I do should also reflect my thankfulness for such a gift, and should be in parallel with what the one who gave me life would want me to do with it. My life belongs to Jesus and so it is for Him that my life is lived.

Those Special Moments

You know those moments that you have that are so profound or life altering at the time that you know you'll never forget them. I'm talking about things like you're earliest memory, or the first bone you broke, your wedding, first loved one who died, childs first steps.

For me - my ealiest memory many people don't believe because it's from when I was just 7 months old - my first steps. The first (and only so far) bone I broke was my collar bone from a mountain bike accident on a school camp. First loved one who died was my nanna when I was two - I don't remember this but I do remember feeling that something was missing. Next person I remember having a fair impact on my by dying was my grandfather.

It is in these moments, looking back on them, I thank God for the blessings which he gives us, the life which is abounding around us, for the memories I have of the people who have gone and the lives they've lived. I find that those memories which are the most dear to me are of people, of relationships, of life - of love. It is only because of how God made us, in His image, that we are able to have such memories, to know such love - and the greatest love of all is that of God.

I have another such memory to add to my repotoire but while it will definitely stick with me for a little while I do not know if it will stay. Just yesterday I was involved in an accident which given its nature, and going by any statistics of such things, I should not still be here - or if I am I should at least have some severe injuries. I have walked away from this without a mark - praise be to God. Just before, during, and afterwards I was praying to God, not for myself, but for those around me. I was on my way to give a sermon on Lent, it's origin, and the things we face each day which try to separate us from God. My prayers as this was happening continued to be for those around me, while also inwardly screaming God save me, before it had ended I found myself turning back from that saying God, I want to live, but I know your plans are much greater than mine - bring about your will and not mine if it is not yours also.

Lent is about a heightened awareness of just who God is and what He has done for us - it is a preparation to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God - it is a time to remind us of our sinfulness and our undeservedness of all that God has done for us in His love for us. Many people give up something which is causing a separation of themselves and God that they might come to spend more time with Him and know him more. What I have found is that we need to be thankful for all that we have and not only having those times which we spend time specifically with Him but be consciously with Him every single moment of the day.

The moments that we look back on and remember - I want to be remembering the God that allowed me to have such memories and such moments along with each one of those memories - because He is the one who was able to show us just what love is, and the one whom is always with us, the one relationship which I value above any other, making each and every moment of my life one worth remembering.

What moments in life do you remember, or would like to share, and which are you looking forward to remembering in time to come?

True Light or Misleading? (Shine, Part 2)

What have we already learnt from the beginning of John 1? We know that Jesus is the Son of God, that He is the Word, that He is Life, that He is Light - and that He shines.

The passage in John continues from verse 6...

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

I don't have a lot of time just now so I will try to make this brief. John number 2, not John who wrote the book, came to direct people to the true light, to the true messiah, the true Christ. We read that he was not the light, but we can also see here from the way that it was written that some people thought of him as the true light. As something other that what he was. With John however they were in for a surprise as he continued to point them away from himself.

They needed someone there to point them in the right direction, someone who was able to see what was true and what was not. There were many others who had come before and claimed to be the Christ, claimed to be something other than what they were. How were they to know one from the other, distinguish the true from the false?

The answer to this last question is found in the final sentence. The true light gives light to every man coming into the world. What did the others promise? How did they show themselves? But also, who bore witness to them? Here is a man who says no, do not follow me, follow Him, he is the true light, he is the only one who is able to give you light. And of course, we heard last time that the light of men is life.

So John, is standing out in the wilderness telling all those who come to him 'don't follow me, but follow Him if you want to have life, for He is the true light and the only one who can give you that light, give you true life.' Jesus also shows who he is throughout his life throught the different miracles he performs, things he does, and words he speaks. You can read more about them in John, or the other gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

Are you being true, or misleading others? We are called to be like Christ - here we hear that He was a true light to the world.

Coming Up: Shine, Part 3

God Bless

In the beginning... (Shine, Part 1)

I was thinking and praying about just where abouts I could start this series as there is so much in the bible on light and then I thought, where better to start than in the beginning?? - In more than one sense of the word.

In my first blog to this address (22nd June, 2010) I did what many people do and explain why they have decided to start up a blog. And with this also why they have named it as it is. The latter I explained only briefly but did not go into a lot. An excerpt from that blog 'Beginning'...

It comes from a passage in the Bible, something I have been challenged about recently and which I will probably elaborate on in a later post, but for now.. Matthew 5: 14-16

'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.'

We are each but a single flame yet so much light can come from us. I guess my hope for this blog is that it can be a testimony to my light. Whether I talk of myself or other things happening, that God may be using me and shining through me so that my ray of light is one that stands out amongst others, one worth following.

Is it not a wonderful passage?!?

Now for looking more at just how that imagery of Light is used in the Bible that we might be able to understand it more... lets start in the beginning!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. -John 1:1-5

Now this passage may take a little bit to explain, just giving you a heads up. I mean at the surface some of what it is saying just doesn't make sense - let's take the first sentence, the Word was with God, and was God. Isn't it one or the other? And what is the Word - how can a word be those things? And in the last sentence - how can darkness comprehend anything? But once there is a light it is no longer dark - of what is this speaking? It's all a bit of a riddle really, isn't it?

Well, let's try to make a little sense of this passage then. It starts In the beginning... so let's go back and see what's in the beginning.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was wtihout form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face fo the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.   -Genesis 1:1-3

In other parts of the Bible, or through many different parts of the Bible we find that there is three in one with God. There is only one God but within Him there is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. Sound complicated? It is. And it's something which you can never convince someone of - it always takes a measure of faith. It sounds too unbelievable to be able to convince anyone of it. Here, in this very first passage of the Bible, we see that the three persons of God are here - when we read it with John 1. God the Father is there - God the Spirit is there - And God the Son is there as the Word.

If we can understand this, then suddenly the first three sentences of John make sense. Those statements are no longer contradictory but supportive of one another. The first thing which is created which gives life to the world is light. Light is the leader and divider which gives life. It is to this imagery that the rest is set also.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

We know now how this is speaking of Jesus, the Son of God, who was there from the beginning, even though he came here only just over 2000 years ago. Trippy, or what? We can see how this passage is linked with Genesis to help explain things but what is it really saying about Jesus? It is saying that He is life. He is our light. And we did not comprehend who He was (we are the darkness, or rather the world is the darkness). So if we want to get away from the darkness of the world, the death that it offers, the only way to find such light, and life, is in and through Jesus - for only He can shine bright enough to overcome.

Kind of random, kind of not - what is your favourite source of light in this world??

Coming up: Shine, Part 2

God Bless

Take Action (Jude, Part 5)

We ended last time with the question of what divisions within Christian community are a result of the mindset which leads to jealousy, greed, and pride. This question many are afraid to answer in case somebody’s toes are tread on. But remember what we are to do in response to those who are causing such divisions, in response to these divisions which are occurring... we are not to run scared – why do we insist on continuing to do just what we have been told not to do?!
 

Jude continues in instructing us on just how we should be responding. We have already been told to remember what we have been taught – what the apostles spoke, for us this is the New Testament of the Bible. But to remember on its own is not enough.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. - Jude 20-21

Build yourselves up, pray, keep yourselves in, look for – these are all actions which follow from remembering what we have been taught, and believing what has been revealed to us. This is our response, but is also how we are to guard ourselves against such people.

Build yourselves up on your most holy faith – continue to learn and question and understand more and more about the faith which you have, meeting with others of like mind and being an encouragement to one another.

Pray in the Holy Spirit – come to know your God and share your life with Him, develop that personal relationship which we each have with our Father in Heaven.

Keep yourselves in the love of God – do not turn away from what you know or willingly succumb to sinful deeds but strive to be like God, like Jesus, to the best of your ability.

Look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ – as mercy has been shown on us, so show it on others, and look for it in others, sharing what you know with others that you might be able to better find it.

Unto eternal life – do this for always thinking of not your life here now, but the promise of what is to come.

This is how we are to respond and guard ourselves against these divisions and people causing such, but how are we to respond or act towards the people whom are the frauds, committing these acts. Jude does not leave us without guidance in this matter but continues...

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. - Jude 22-23

We are to be discerning in how we act and treat others depending on where their motivation comes from. Different people require different approaches however we are not to get caught up in this but the most important thing is that they are not left without opportunity to hear the true gospel, to see the error of their ways and repent for it, turning to the true God and finding forgiveness for their sins there.

We have heard again and again over the past few weeks in the previous verses of Jude just what is waiting for those who are not in Christ – just what is waiting for these men. So on some we are to have compassion, showing them the error of their ways, on others we are to save with fear – hating even what they touch as it has been ruined by their sinful flesh. We all are sinners and have been found guilty however for those who are in Christ, our sentence has already been paid. Don’t be gentle about it but stop them in their tracks and show them just what they are doing and just how it is wrong. Do not worry about saving a relationship with them or how they might feel but risk these things in the hope that they may come to Christ and so save their very soul – not saving things in this world but looking to save them for much longer – into eternal life with the Father.

It is a hard thing to do, to discern. Whom do you approach with compassion, and whom do you approach with fear – but in all cases approach with an unbending will, that you will not compromise the true gospel, a willingness to help lead them in the right direction in their new found life as given by His gospel, and a readiness to accept criticism and rebuke if you are in the wrong.

My question to you this time is how often do you think about the eternal fate of others whom you know and meet – your family, friends, acquaintances, or even the stranger walking down the street?

Coming up: Jude, Part 6

God Bless

Remember (Jude, Part 2)

So, what an amazingly encouraging start to a letter we heard last week. Now we can hear just what it was that Jude wished to write about. We do not know to whom he was writing but as it is not addressed it is often assumed that it is to a group of Christians that it might be handed around for many to read.

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. - Jude 3

Jude obviously feels very strongly about this. He loves them. He want to write to them about our Lord Jesus Christ, about the wonderful things which He has done for us, about such joy, about God and the time to come when we might see Him face to face. Such a wonderful letter that would be and easy to write. But no, Jude instead says, I wish I could write to you about these things but this is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT! Jude exhorts them, appeals to them, urges them, that they might earnestly contend for the faith which we have. Earnestly contend also translates as vigorous defense. Continue in your vigorous defense! Why is Jude so concerned and particular on this matter? We hear why in the following verse.

For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. - Jude 4

Look among you, says he. Do you  not see these impostors who are calling you astray and leading you asunder?? They are among you, and yet you do not see them. Be wary and listen with wisdom and discernment that you might not find yourself amongst them also, but keep your faith. Not only keep it, but defend it, and contend for it, that they also might see that they do not belong where they have placed themselves. As Jesus said 'whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.' - Matthew 10:33 They turn the grace of God on its head and make it look like a joke and add our own works into the equation, even though we know we can never be enough. But no, keep the truth.

Jude does not leave it there, with a strict warning, but gives the people examples of stories which they themselves know (from Israel's history and can be found in the Old Testament). Stories which confirm this of God, and affirm that what they are doing now is wrong. Be rebuked!

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. - Jude 5-7

The shape of this letter has changed somewhat from what we read last week. But while it is quite scary to read and think about it can be seen that it comes from genuine love and concern. Not only do we know what Jude is concerned about, he has also shown just what motivates his concern. His concern is that they are drifting from their faith, the one true gospel which has been revealed to us, as these other men have crept in and are spreading lies. The motivation behind this is that without having faith in the one true gospel, all are condemned to eternal damnation. So, Keep Strong.

The God we serve is a god of love, but He is also a Just and Holy God. God cannot be just and holy if he does not destroy and condemn those who do not believe. But we see also that He is a God of love, as he has made a way that we might live eternal with Him, by believing the one true gospel and living in such a way which reflects this.

Question: What is one thing which 'strikes' you from this passage?

Coming up: Jude, Part 3

God Bless

Unpacking Personal Symbolism

As promised in last weeks blog, this week I am unpacking what the symbolism behind my tattoo is. There is a bit too it, so don't think that it will just be a short one to read.

The idea behind it is that it acts as a prompt for a synopsis of the Bible from beginning to end.

STAR

The first thing the star reminds us of is creation. In the beginning God created everything! He even made the stars. This phrase is kind of thrown in there as a side not within the creation story as in ancient times the stars were seen as some kind of God, people would look to the stars for answers which we still see today with daily horoscopes. God is greater even than them; He created them! 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters... Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. - Genesis 1:1-2, 16

Moving along in the creation story we remember that God also created man in his image and gave us the mandate to fill the earth, and subdue it.

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." - Genesis 1:27-28

God is a loving God who wants us to have choices and options. He does not want to limit us by giving us orders on what we can and cannot do but to live as He created us to live, in His image, in relationship with Him. In order to do this there was one thing which we were not to do, and even this we could not obey and so man was put out of the garden to keep him from accessing the tree of life (as if he did we would be bound to living eternally separated from God). 

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden... Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" - therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. - Genesis 3:8, 22-23

So now sin has entered the world. We are no longer dwelling with God, but God does not just disappear, he still continues to associate with us. It is only because He loves us that He allowed for us to be put out and made subject to our sin.

CROSS

The cross is a reminder that God keeps his promises. And so the first step of this is that it reminds us of what Gods promises to us are.

One of these is that after the flood God makes a covenant with Noah, his sons, their descendants, and every living creature, (so, all of us) that the earth will never again be flooded completely to destroy everything, and as a reminder He gave us the rainbow. The mandate given to Adam and Eve is also re-iterated. [Genesis 9:1]

"It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." - Genesis 9:14-16

Number 4

As a quick side note as am trying to do this in some kind of chronological order there are a few things within the Bible which lasted for a numerical value of 40 which we are reminded of by the 4 here. The first time we encounter this value is at the flood as it continued to flood for 40 days before it stopped. It then took a lot longer for the waters to go down. [Genesis 7:17f.]

CROSS

Back to the promises. Abram, who became Abraham, was a descendant of Noah and it was promised to him, a God fearing man, that through him a great nation will be born and everyone would be blessed. Part of this promise we are also reminded of by the STAR.

Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." ... Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. - Genesis 12:1-3, 15:5-6

It is from these promises that the rest continue to flow. That it would be through their descendants that all would be made right once more, that blessings would outflow. Jacob whom is a descendant of Abraham is the one who becomes Israel.

[Isaac, Jacob's father, speaking to Jacob, his son] "May God Almighty bless you, And make you fruitful and multiply you, That you may be an assembly of peoples; And give you the blessing of Abraham, To you and your descendants with you, That you may inherit the land In which you are a stranger, Which God gave to Abraham." - Genesis 28:3-4 

Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram,  and blessed him. And God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name." So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land." Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. - Genesis 35:9-13

It is these promises, and many more that follow which build upon these first ones, that we see fulfilled in Jesus. The cross is a symbol of Jesus and so this is why it reminds us of these first promises.

STAR and CROSS

Continuing along with the story we are now reminded that there are 12 tribes of Israel (6 points on the star by the 2 beams of the cross - which where everything points towards) These 12 tribes of Israel come from the 12 sons of Israel, whom was Jacob.

This in turn reminds us of the story of Joseph and how his brothers sold him into slavery, and he then in turn ended up working for the Pharaoh in Egypt due to his gift in interpreting dreams as God revealed their interpretation to him. As was pleasing to Pharaoh and Joseph during the time of the seven bad years that all of Joseph's family came to move to Egypt and occupy much land.

M41

One of the things which this reminds us of is Moses who led Israel out of captivity from Egypt where they then spent 40 years journeying in the desert. During this time, God provided them with all that they needed until they were able to enter the promised land. In the first year of that journeying is when they received the law and built the tabernacle, tent, lamp stands, clothing, and everything else as directed to them by God. The law as it was given was to highlight sin. That they may know what is not in accordance with God's will that they might know what is required of them if they are to live a holy life. The passover is remembered each year (that is, the final plague which was sent upon Egypt where the angel of death passed over the Israelites.)

The other thing which this stands for is Malachi 4:1-3. We will look at this passage in a little bit but for now will just focus on the Malachi part of it. Malachi was a prophet whom God spoke to his people through. There were many other prophets whom God spoke to his people through, some of which we are able to read about in the  Old Testament (Isaiah is a well known prophet from the Old Testament). To tell them when they were turning from Him, to direct their paths because He cared for the, to tell them what He was going to do so that they would have warning and know why different things were happening when they did. God is a loving God who cares a lot for us but He is also a jealous and holy God.

CROSS and STAR

Jesus. The fulfillment of promises made in the Old Testament and the only way we are saved. The Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary. We are reminded of his miraculous birth, the journey for the census by Mary and Joseph, his birth in a stable, and the jealous king. The star reminds of his birth as we hear from the three magi of this king.

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship him." - Matthew 2:2

Number 4

There are 4 main key aspects to Jesus Ministry. These are his life, death, resurrection, and reign. We can read of Jesus Ministry while he was on earth in the 4 gospels found at the beginning of the New Testament. The relationship he had with his Father in Heaven. His baptism, and then 40 days in the desert being tempted by the devil. The many miracles performed, demons driven out, claims made, teachings given. The things that made Jesus stand out from others claiming similar things is that everything he said and claimed, happened. He suffered and so can understand what we are going through, he is not unsympathetic. He died to take the punishment for our sin, and then rose again which means that death does not have to be the end. It has been conquered. And now rules alongside his Father (and through Christ, we too can share in His glory) - and one day, he will return.

Much of the explanations behind just how Jesus fulfills the promises and prophecies given in the Old Testament is given to us in letters written by the apostles to the early church, as found in the New Testament. None of these are contradictory but support one another even when written by different authors. These letters talk of how we are to live out our faith also - what that will look like, and what we will look like to others who do not understand.

STAR

In some translations one such letter tells us to shine like stars. As Christians we are held to a higher calling and conduct which we know we can never meet but by grace we are made acceptable through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our attitude should than be one of thankfulness and grace and mercy towards others. As such we will stand out amongst our peers by our behaviour.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. - Philippians 2:14-16

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The passage from Malachi is another promise given, which points towards the last day - a promise which we are still waiting to be fulfilled. It is in this which we find our hope.

"For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts. - Malachi 4:1-3

We hear more about the last day and just what it means, just what is promised, just what our hope is in, from John in Revelation. That all that which is marred by sin will be gone and there will be instead a new heaven and a new earth where we will once again be dwelling with our Father, as he created us to be in the beginning. We will be the bride of Christ, saved and healed by the Sun of Righteousness, able to abide with our Father, worshipping him, eternally. 

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:1-4 

And behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. - Revelation 22:12-17

 LAYOUT

There is one more aspect of my tattoo which I have not yet spoken on and explained, and that is the layout.

There is 3 images in this 1 tattoo. This is a reminder of the trinity. Three persons, one God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is in this way that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. It is also why Jesus was able to pray to His Father in heaven. And it is also how he is able to be with us now while reigning with his Father in heaven. This is a very important point.

Even though the cross is technically not the centre of the image, it is the cross which was centred on my wrist, and it is around the cross that the other images find their place and position. In the same way we learn that Jesus is the rock and anchor point to which we must set ourselves. Everything else in our lives should fit around this. If it doesn't fit somehow, than it does not belong.

And finally, most people who have tattoos in places like this have them so that they are facing themselves, so that they are able to clearly see it for themselves. Mine is facing away from me which is a reminder that it is to be shared with others. When I reach out, I am constantly reminded to reach out with the gospel.

WHY

Hopefully, understanding the symbolism behind my tattoo you might start to understand why I chose to follow this path and get it. It is also a personal statement that this is what is important to me, and for me it is a visible representation of a lifelong commitment which I have made.

Aside from these on a practical approach, it is a conversation setter - making it easy to change any conversation around to the gospel, and matters of faith. And also when I got it I was able to take my brother along with me and was encouraged to see that he was much more keen to get any future tattoos of his own done professionally instead of in his lounge room by a friend.

So... a fairly long one this week it would seem.

Coming up.. I think I shall take a look at Jude (we will see how many blogs it takes)

My question for you this week is more of a reflection point. Do you think there is any key points which I have missed (remember, it is just a little image) and do you think there is anything else that you could get out of it?

God Bless

Tidying Up

Do you know that point you get to sometimes when you look at something and all you can see is the mess. You just have to tidy up. Or those 'moods' when you just feel like cleaning. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the cleanest person in the world but even amongst all my mess I would like to be able to be one of those people who can just keep things tidy.

It is not just about stuff though. If that were the only thing that could get messy I think everyone should stop whatever they're doing right now just to celebrate for a moment. I mean, if everything else is so tidy and right that all we have to worry about is stuff the world would be a completely different place. Those other things which get messy though are often the messiest, messier than anything we can see.

 

What I am talking about is life, and relationships, and whatever else you might choose to add to this list. Life is messy. Relationships are messy (and they are part of life, a BIG part!). So my room is messy, so is my life. But within that mess there is an order and a way forward and for me, it is the same with my life. Sure, it is messy, but I still know what I am doing and where I am going (to some degree).

Life is not meant to be tidy and orderly. It is messy! But with the Lord by our sides it does not matter how messy it gets, it can be so messy that it's over your heads and spilling onto the streets, there is always a way forward, a way out. Recently I've noticed a correlation between what my room looks like, the progress being made, and the state of my life. The more I turn to God, and rest in his strength, and follow where He guides, the more there seems a way forwards. The mess doesn't just go away but rather you can now see through it to what it's meant to look like. And the more I turn to God and life and sort out those things, the more and more tidy my room gets. Amazing hey!

So, I'm not saying turn more to God and miraculously you will find yourself tidying up more, because that's not how it works. What I am saying is get your priorities right. My first priority is to God, and trying to live my life for him. The way others see God is quite often through me, and other Christians. So I don't want them to see the wrong image. I want them to see God shining through the mess, and the best way for that to happen is by letting his light shine and doing what you can to clear the way so the light can go further than just a little dingy corner.

If all of that is too confusing to get your head around, just ask me and I'll try my best to re-word it. Anyway, that's all for today. Oh, yes, my weekly question for thought. What do others see as your top priority? (and do you think that it is a good thing?)

God Bless

Life! ..or something like it?

You know, sometimes it feels pointless writing blogs. Why do people do it? It's like you're talking to yourself or maybe talking to someone else who isn't really there, like an imaginary friend when you were a kid, or maybe writing a letter to someone who has passed away. Anyway, I think writing blogs is also a bit like prayer. Only with prayer you don't need to wonder about the point of it or if there's anyone at the other end listening, it is a certainty.

I was at a bible study this morning and we were looking at Acts 8 and 9. Those stories about Philip and the Eunuch and then about Saul's transformation. Isn't it amazing to see how God is at work in so many different peoples lifes at the same time, directing their movements, and bringing them together, to ultimately lead them to Him! That he has the ultimate authority and that no matter what we do we are never to bad or too far removed that he can't reach out and save us, and show us that we ourselves don't have real authority but only him alone!

Sometimes life is going right and you think, yeah, I've really got it all good at the moment, aren't I doing a great job? And then sometimes life isn't going so great and you think what else can I do to make it all better. That reliance on ones self is the problem, when really the answer is above.. remembering that God has the ultimate authority and that repenting and turning to him in prayer is the only way anything is actually going to go right in your life, as before this happens, real life is unknown. Take a glimpse at those around you and tell me, who is really living?

So, the question I have for you is what makes your life real?

God Bless

Back on your Feet

So much for not being back in the city around the hustle and bustle. Nah, not really, just up in the 'burbs for a couple of days. Has been good to see people again but kind of strange and different as well. Didn't think that six weeks, which is all that it ended up being, would make much of a difference. But it has more than I realised it would.

Back to the job search now. Wouldn't it be good if jobs just landed in our laps so all we had to do was pick them up and get going. Anyway, we are not to dwell on those things which have not happened and get along with it anyhow.

Helping my parents out at the moment. So far this has primarily meant cooking and gardening. I'm really enjoying that at the moment, kind of cruisy.. it's really easy to lose track of the time though, but I think that's a good thing when you're doing work you're meant to be doing.

Isn't it funny, or not funny really, how everything can change and yet nothing really does. And yet, no matter what happens, good things or bad things, life or death, we know that everything is alright as long as God is by our sides. Isn't it such an encouragement to know that God is always there to lead us and pick us up when we fall down?!

What do you find to be a real encouragement??

God Bless.